What is checked before cranking the engine during a pre-trip inspection?

Before cranking the engine during a pre-trip inspection, ensuring that the park brake is set is a critical step in maintaining safety. Setting the park brake prevents the vehicle from rolling when the engine starts, which could lead to accidents or injuries. This step is essential to ensure that the vehicle will remain stationary, allowing the driver to perform additional checks and procedures without the risk of the vehicle moving unexpectedly.

While checking the fuel level and brake fluid are important maintenance tasks, they are not directly related to the immediate safety measures required before starting the engine. Checking whether the windows are tinted does not pertain to vehicle safety or operational integrity and is therefore not a necessary step in pre-trip engine preparation. Ensuring the park brake is applied creates a safe environment for the driver to complete their pre-trip checks.